UNIT 6 Introduction to drugs used in alternative systems of medicine
🔹 Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old traditional system of medicine that originated in India.
🔹 It is based on the concept of balance between body, mind, and environment and the regulation of three doshas:
✔ Vata (Air & Space) – Governs movement
✔ Pitta (Fire & Water) – Controls metabolism
✔ Kapha (Earth & Water) – Maintains structure & stability
🔹 Treatment Approach:
✔ Use of herbs, minerals, diet, yoga, and detoxification techniques
✔ Focuses on prevention, rejuvenation, and disease management
| Category | Examples | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Rasayana (Rejuvenating Tonics) | Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Amalaki | Strengthens immunity, anti-aging |
| Medhya Rasayana (Brain Tonics) | Brahmi, Gotu Kola, Shankhapushpi | Enhances memory, reduces stress |
| Deepana & Pachana (Digestive Stimulants) | Trikatu (Black Pepper, Ginger, Pippali), Ajwain | Improves digestion, appetite |
| Vedanasthapana (Analgesics & Anti-inflammatory) | Shallaki, Guggulu, Nirgundi | Reduces pain, inflammation |
| Hepatoprotective Herbs | Kutki, Bhumyamalaki, Kalmegh | Protects liver, detoxification |
| Cardioprotective Herbs | Arjuna, Punarnava, Guggulu | Improves heart health, lowers cholesterol |
| Diabetic Control Herbs | Gurmar, Karela, Vijaysar | Regulates blood sugar |
| Immunomodulators | Tulsi, Guduchi, Amla | Boosts immunity |
| Anti-Infective Herbs | Neem, Turmeric, Giloy | Treats infections, antiviral properties |
| Respiratory Herbs | Vasaka, Yashtimadhu, Tulsi | Treats asthma, bronchitis |
| Urinary System Tonics | Gokshura, Punarnava | Prevents kidney stones, diuretic |
✔ Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – Adaptogen, reduces stress, improves strength
✔ Triphala (Amla, Haritaki, Bibhitaki) – Detoxifies the gut, improves digestion
✔ Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) – Enhances memory, reduces anxiety
✔ Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) – Lowers cholesterol, anti-inflammatory
✔ Neem (Azadirachta indica) – Antibacterial, skin disorders
✔ Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) – Antiviral, respiratory disorders
✔ Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – Anti-inflammatory, wound healing
✔ Shilajit – Enhances stamina, anti-aging
| Formulation Type | Examples | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Churna (Powders) | Triphala Churna, Sitopaladi Churna | Fine herbal powders taken with honey or water |
| Kwatha (Decoctions) | Dashmool Kwath, Punarnavadi Kwath | Herbal extracts boiled in water |
| Asava & Arishta (Fermented Tonics) | Ashwagandharishta, Drakshasava | Alcoholic extracts for digestion, strength |
| Guggulu (Resin-based Tablets) | Yograj Guggulu, Kanchanar Guggulu | Used for arthritis, obesity, thyroid disorders |
| Ghrita (Medicated Ghee) | Brahmi Ghrita, Panchatikta Ghrita | Used for neurological, respiratory diseases |
| Lehya (Herbal Pastes & Jams) | Chyawanprash, Agastyaharitaki | Immunity booster, respiratory tonic |
🚨 Common Side Effects (If Used Improperly or in Excess):
✔ Gastrointestinal Issues (Acidity, Diarrhea – With Strong Herbs)
✔ Allergic Reactions (Skin Rashes, Itching – With Neem, Turmeric)
✔ Hepatotoxicity (With Heavy Metal-Based Preparations Like Rasa Shastra)
🚨 Precautions:
✔ Pregnancy & Lactation – Avoid High-Dose Herbs (Ashwagandha, Aloe Vera, Guggulu)
✔ Kidney & Liver Disorders – Avoid Heavy Metals & High-Dose Herbal Alkaloids
✔ Drug Interactions – Some Herbs Interact with Modern Medications (Neem & Antidiabetic Drugs)
👩⚕️ Patient Assessment:
✔ Assess medical history, allergies, current medications
✔ Check for contraindications & potential herb-drug interactions
💉 Administration Guidelines:
✔ Ensure Correct Dosage & Formulation (Churna, Kwath, Guggulu)
✔ Educate Patient on Proper Use (Avoid Overuse of Herbs)
✔ Monitor for Side Effects (Allergies, Gastrointestinal Upset, Liver/Kidney Toxicity)
📢 Patient Education:
✔ Use Authentic Ayurvedic Products from Certified Sources
✔ Follow Proper Dosage and Duration (Avoid Self-Medication)
✔ Consult Ayurvedic Practitioners for Chronic Illnesses
🔹 Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine based on the principle of “Like Cures Like” (Similia Similibus Curentur).
🔹 It was developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in the 18th century.
🔹 Homeopathy believes that highly diluted substances can stimulate the body’s natural healing process.
🔹 Basic Principles of Homeopathy:
✔ Law of Similars – A substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can cure similar symptoms in a sick person.
✔ Law of Infinitesimals – More dilution = More potency (Higher dilutions are believed to be more effective).
✔ Law of Individualization – Treatment is based on patient’s unique symptoms and constitution.
🔹 Mother Tincture (MT): Herbal or mineral extract dissolved in alcohol or water.
🔹 Dilution Process: Serial dilution & succussion (vigorous shaking).
🔹 Potency Levels:
✔ Low Potency (3X, 6X, 12X, 30C) – Used for acute conditions
✔ Medium Potency (200C, 1M) – Used for chronic diseases
✔ High Potency (10M, 50M, CM) – Used for deep-seated constitutional treatment
🔹 Common Forms of Homeopathic Medicines:
✔ Liquid Dilutions (Drops) – Taken in water
✔ Globules (Pills or Pellets) – Sugar-based pills impregnated with medicine
✔ Tablets – Triturated medicinal powders
✔ Mother Tinctures (MTs) – Direct plant extract used for organ support
| Homeopathic Remedy | Source | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Arnica Montana | Mountain Herb | Bruises, Muscle Pain, Injuries |
| Belladonna | Deadly Nightshade | Fever, Throat Infections, Headache |
| Nux Vomica | Poison Nut | Indigestion, Constipation, Hangover |
| Bryonia Alba | White Bryony Root | Dry Cough, Joint Pain, Constipation |
| Rhus Toxicodendron | Poison Ivy | Joint Pain, Rheumatism, Skin Allergies |
| Apis Mellifica | Honeybee Extract | Swelling, Allergic Reactions, UTI |
| Pulsatilla | Windflower | Hormonal Imbalances, Menstrual Issues |
| Calcarea Carbonica | Oyster Shell | Weak Bones, Anxiety, Fatigue |
| Sulphur | Mineral | Skin Diseases, Psoriasis, Eczema |
| Phosphorus | Mineral | Respiratory Issues, Bleeding Disorders |
| Carbo Vegetabilis | Activated Charcoal | Gas, Bloating, Indigestion |
| Gelsemium | Yellow Jasmine | Flu, Anxiety, Nervous Weakness |
✔ Acute & Chronic Diseases – Cold, Cough, Fever, Sinusitis
✔ Skin Disorders – Eczema, Psoriasis, Urticaria
✔ Joint & Musculoskeletal Disorders – Arthritis, Sciatica
✔ Gastrointestinal Issues – Acidity, Constipation, IBS
✔ Respiratory Problems – Asthma, Bronchitis
✔ Gynecological Conditions – PCOS, Irregular Periods, Menopause Symptoms
✔ Psychological Disorders – Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia
✔ Pediatric Disorders – Colic, Teething Problems, ADHD
🚨 Homeopathy is Not Recommended for:
❌ Severe infections (Pneumonia, Sepsis)
❌ Life-threatening conditions (Cancer, Heart Attack, Stroke)
❌ Organ Failure (Kidney, Liver Failure)
✔ Non-Toxic, No Side Effects – Safe for all age groups, including infants & pregnant women.
✔ Holistic Approach – Treats the whole person, not just symptoms.
✔ No Drug Interactions – Can be used alongside modern medicine.
✔ Long-Lasting Cure – Focuses on treating the root cause.
🚨 Possible Side Effects (Rare but Possible):
✔ Temporary worsening of symptoms (Homeopathic Aggravation)
✔ Allergic reactions (Sensitive individuals may react to sugar-based globules)
✔ Delay in seeking proper treatment for serious conditions
🚨 Limitations of Homeopathy:
✔ Works slowly in chronic diseases (Takes weeks/months for full effect).
✔ Highly diluted remedies may lack scientific proof in conventional medicine.
✔ Effectiveness depends on accurate remedy selection (Needs a skilled practitioner).
| Aspect | Homeopathy | Allopathy (Modern Medicine) |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Holistic (Treats the whole body) | Symptom-Specific (Treats the disease directly) |
| Principle | “Like Cures Like” | “Evidence-Based, Disease-Specific Treatment” |
| Side Effects | Minimal or None | Can have significant side effects |
| Speed of Action | Slow (Long-term benefit) | Fast (Immediate relief) |
| Best for | Chronic diseases, Mild illnesses | Acute & Emergency conditions |
👩⚕️ Before Administration:
✔ Assess patient history, allergies, current medications
✔ Identify symptoms for remedy selection
✔ Ensure correct potency & dosage
💉 During Administration:
✔ Give Homeopathic Medicine on an Empty Stomach (For Better Absorption)
✔ Avoid Touching the Pills (Use Spoon or Cap)
✔ Do Not Give with Strong Flavors (Avoid Coffee, Garlic, Mint, Camphor as they can antidote the medicine)
🩺 Monitoring & Follow-Up:
✔ Observe for aggravation or worsening symptoms
✔ Encourage regular follow-ups for chronic conditions
✔ Educate patients on diet & lifestyle changes to support treatment
📢 Patient Education:
✔ Do Not Self-Medicate in Serious Conditions
✔ Follow Correct Dosing Schedule (As Advised by Homeopath)
✔ Store Homeopathic Medicines Properly (Away from Heat & Strong Odors)
In addition to Ayurveda and Homeopathy, other traditional healing systems such as Unani, Siddha, Naturopathy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have been widely practiced. These systems are based on natural healing principles, herbal formulations, and holistic approaches.
🔹 Key Alternative Medical Systems in India:
✔ Ayurveda – Ancient Indian system based on three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
✔ Homeopathy – Based on the principle of “Like Cures Like”.
✔ Unani – Based on four humors (Blood, Phlegm, Yellow & Black Bile), influenced by Greek-Arabic medicine.
✔ Siddha – South Indian system based on three humors (Vali, Azhal, Iyyam), similar to Ayurveda.
✔ Naturopathy – Uses diet, herbs, hydrotherapy, fasting, and yoga for natural healing.
✔ Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – Uses herbs, acupuncture, and energy balance (Yin-Yang, Qi flow).
🚨 Unani medicine is a Greek-Arabic traditional medical system introduced to India by Mughal rulers.
🔹 Based on the concept of four humors:
✔ Dam (Blood) – Warm & Moist
✔ Balgham (Phlegm) – Cold & Moist
✔ Safra (Yellow Bile) – Warm & Dry
✔ Sauda (Black Bile) – Cold & Dry
🔹 Treatment in Unani Medicine Includes:
✔ Ilaj Bil Ghiza (Diet Therapy) – Modifying food intake
✔ Ilaj Bil Dawa (Herbal & Drug Therapy) – Use of natural medications
✔ Ilaj Bil Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy) – Detoxification, Cupping, Leech Therapy
✔ Ilaj Bil Jarahat (Surgery) – Limited surgical interventions
| Unani Drug | Source | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Habbe Suranjan | Suranjan (Colchicum autumnale) | Arthritis, Joint Pain |
| Majoon-e-Falak Sanjeer | Herbal & Mineral Extracts | Constipation, Digestion |
| Jawarish-e-Kamooni | Cumin-based formula | Indigestion, Gas |
| Roghan-e-Kunzed | Sesame Oil | Joint Pain, Skin Disorders |
| Sharbat Sandal | Sandalwood Extract | Cooling Agent, Heart Health |
| Safoof-e-Mohazzil | Herbal Powder | Weight Loss, Metabolism Booster |
| Sharbat Unnab | Jujube Fruit Syrup | Cough, Fever, Respiratory Issues |
| Kushta-e-Faulad | Iron-Based Herbal Powder | Anemia, Blood Disorders |
💉 Side Effects of Unani Medicines:
✔ Mild Gastric Upset (Due to strong herbal extracts)
✔ Allergic Reactions (With mineral-based drugs)
✔ Metal Toxicity (If taken in excess without proper purification)
👩⚕️ Nursing Role in Unani Medicine:
✔ Ensure proper dose & patient education
✔ Monitor for side effects like nausea, allergic reactions
✔ Verify authenticity & purity of herbal formulations
🚨 Siddha medicine is an ancient South Indian system of medicine closely related to Ayurveda, with roots in Tamil culture.
🔹 Based on Three Humors (Mukkuttram):
✔ Vali (Vata – Air & Space) – Controls movement
✔ Azhal (Pitta – Fire & Water) – Controls digestion & metabolism
✔ Iyyam (Kapha – Earth & Water) – Governs immunity & stability
🔹 Siddha Treatment Methods:
✔ Herbal Medicines (Mooligai Maruthuvam) – Plant extracts & mineral drugs
✔ Metal & Mineral Preparations (Rasa Maruthuvam) – Gold, Silver, Iron-based remedies
✔ Yoga & Meditation (Kayakarpam) – For rejuvenation & longevity
✔ External Therapies (Thokkanam) – Oil massage, Heat therapy
| Siddha Drug | Source | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Nilavembu Kudineer | Andrographis paniculata | Fever, Viral Infections |
| Chandamarutham | Herbal & Metal Preparation | Neurological Disorders |
| Vanga Parpam | Purified Tin Ash | Diabetes, Urinary Disorders |
| Gandhaga Chunnam | Sulfur-Based | Skin Diseases, Psoriasis |
| Thuthuvalai Chooranam | Solanum trilobatum | Asthma, Respiratory Issues |
| Ponnimaram Pattai Chooranam | Ceylon Oak Bark | Antiviral, Liver Detox |
| Parangipattai Rasayanam | Smilax chinensis | Blood Purification, Detox |
| Karpooradi Thailam | Camphor-Based Oil | Muscle Pain, Joint Stiffness |
💉 Side Effects of Siddha Medicine:
✔ Heavy Metal Accumulation (If improperly processed drugs are used)
✔ Kidney & Liver Issues (If taken in excess)
✔ Skin Irritation (With some external applications)
👩⚕️ Nursing Role in Siddha Medicine:
✔ Advise caution in pregnant women & kidney patients
✔ Educate on metal-based drug safety
✔ Monitor for toxicity & allergic reactions
🚨 Naturopathy is a drug-free, holistic healing system that uses natural elements such as diet, fasting, hydrotherapy, yoga, and lifestyle modification to promote health.
🔹 Principles:
✔ Body has self-healing power
✔ Use of natural methods like water therapy, massage, acupuncture, fasting
✔ Diet-based detoxification
✔ Hydrotherapy – Water-based treatments for detox
✔ Fasting Therapy – Helps in digestion & metabolism
✔ Diet Therapy – Raw foods, vegetarian diets
✔ Mud Therapy – Detoxification of the body
✔ Sun Therapy – Vitamin D regulation, Skin health
👩⚕️ Nursing Role in Naturopathy:
✔ Educate on healthy lifestyle changes
✔ Monitor hydration & nutritional intake
✔ Support physical therapy & exercise routines
🔹 Common ailments include fever, pain, cough, cold, acidity, allergies, infections, and digestive issues.
🔹 These conditions are usually self-limiting but may require medication for symptom relief and faster recovery.
🔹 Categories of Drugs for Common Ailments:
✔ Analgesics & Antipyretics – Relieve pain & fever
✔ Anti-inflammatory Drugs – Reduce swelling & inflammation
✔ Antacids & Antiulcer Drugs – Manage acidity & ulcers
✔ Antihistamines & Decongestants – Treat allergies & cold
✔ Antidiarrheal & Laxative Drugs – Treat constipation & diarrhea
✔ Antibiotics & Antifungals – Treat bacterial & fungal infections
| Drug | Category | Uses | Common Brand Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) | Antipyretic, Analgesic | Fever, Mild to Moderate Pain | Crocin, Calpol, Dolo-650 |
| Ibuprofen | NSAID | Pain, Inflammation, Fever | Brufen, Advil |
| Aspirin | NSAID | Pain, Fever, Blood Thinner | Disprin, Ecotrin |
| Diclofenac | NSAID | Joint Pain, Muscle Pain | Voveran, Voltaren |
| Naproxen | NSAID | Arthritis, Menstrual Pain | Naprosyn |
💉 Side Effects:
✔ Gastric Irritation, Acidity (Common with NSAIDs)
✔ Liver Toxicity (High-Dose Paracetamol)
✔ Bleeding Risk (Aspirin in High Doses)
🚨 Precautions:
✔ Avoid NSAIDs in kidney disease & gastric ulcers
✔ Avoid Aspirin in children (Risk of Reye’s Syndrome)
| Drug | Category | Uses | Common Brand Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cetirizine | Antihistamine | Allergies, Runny Nose | Cetzine, Zyrtec |
| Loratadine | Antihistamine | Seasonal Allergies, Sneezing | Claritin |
| Chlorpheniramine | Antihistamine | Cold, Runny Nose | CPM, T-Minic |
| Phenylephrine | Decongestant | Nasal Congestion | Sinarest |
| Dextromethorphan | Cough Suppressant | Dry Cough | Benadryl, Corex |
| Ambroxol | Mucolytic | Productive Cough | Mucosolvan, Lasix |
| Montelukast | Anti-allergic | Asthma, Allergies | Montair, Singulair |
💉 Side Effects:
✔ Drowsiness (Antihistamines)
✔ Increased Heart Rate (Decongestants like Phenylephrine)
🚨 Precautions:
✔ Avoid antihistamines before driving (Sedative effect)
✔ Monitor BP in heart patients (Phenylephrine may increase BP)
| Drug | Category | Uses | Common Brand Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranitidine | H2 Blocker | Acidity, GERD, Peptic Ulcers | Zantac |
| Famotidine | H2 Blocker | Acidity, Indigestion | Pepcid |
| Omeprazole | Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) | Ulcers, GERD, Acidity | Omez, Prilosec |
| Pantoprazole | Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) | Acidity, Peptic Ulcer | Pan 40, Protonix |
| Sucralfate | Ulcer Protective | Peptic Ulcers | Ulgel, Carafate |
| Magnesium Hydroxide | Antacid | Hyperacidity | Digene, Gelusil |
💉 Side Effects:
✔ Headache, Diarrhea (PPIs like Omeprazole, Pantoprazole)
✔ Constipation (Sucralfate)
🚨 Precautions:
✔ Long-term PPI use can cause Vitamin B12 Deficiency
✔ Antacids should not be taken with other drugs (Affects absorption)
| Drug | Category | Uses | Common Brand Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loperamide | Antidiarrheal | Loose Motions, IBS | Imodium |
| ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) | Rehydration | Dehydration due to diarrhea | Electral, Pedialyte |
| Lactulose | Laxative | Constipation, Liver Disease | Duphalac |
| Bisacodyl | Stimulant Laxative | Constipation | Dulcolax |
| Psyllium Husk (Isabgol) | Bulk Laxative | Constipation, IBS | Sat Isabgol |
💉 Side Effects:
✔ Loperamide – Constipation, Abdominal Cramps
✔ Laxatives – Dependency If Overused
🚨 Precautions:
✔ Do not use Loperamide in bloody diarrhea or bacterial infections
✔ Drink plenty of water when using fiber laxatives
| Drug | Category | Uses | Common Brand Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amoxicillin | Penicillin Antibiotic | Respiratory Infections, UTI | Amoxil, Mox |
| Azithromycin | Macrolide Antibiotic | Throat Infections, Skin Infections | Zithromax, Azithral |
| Ciprofloxacin | Fluoroquinolone | UTI, Typhoid, Gastroenteritis | Cifran, Cipro |
| Metronidazole | Antiprotozoal | Amoebiasis, Bacterial Vaginosis | Flagyl |
| Clotrimazole | Antifungal | Fungal Skin Infections | Canesten, Candid |
| Fluconazole | Antifungal | Vaginal Yeast Infections, Candidiasis | Diflucan, Fluka |
💉 Side Effects:
✔ Nausea, Diarrhea (Common with Antibiotics)
✔ Yeast Infection (Prolonged Antibiotic Use)
✔ Liver Toxicity (Fluconazole, Metronidazole)
🚨 Precautions:
✔ Complete the full course of antibiotics to prevent resistance
✔ Avoid alcohol with Metronidazole (Severe Vomiting Reaction)
👩⚕️ Assessment Before Giving Medications:
✔ Check for Drug Allergies (Especially to Penicillins, NSAIDs)
✔ Assess Symptoms & Underlying Conditions (Before giving painkillers, antibiotics)
✔ Monitor Blood Pressure & Pulse (If giving decongestants or antihistamines)
💉 During Drug Administration:
✔ Give NSAIDs with Food (To avoid acidity)
✔ Encourage Hydration in Fever & Diarrhea
✔ Ensure Compliance with Antibiotic Course
🩺 Post-Medication Monitoring:
✔ Watch for Side Effects (Diarrhea, Rashes, Stomach Upset)
✔ Monitor for Drug Interactions (E.g., Antacids Reduce Antibiotic Absorption)
✔ Educate Patient on Proper Drug Use (Avoid Overuse of Painkillers & Antibiotics)
📢 Patient Education:
✔ Take Medicines at the Right Time (With/Without Food as Indicated)
✔ Avoid Self-Medication with Antibiotics
✔ Report Severe Side Effects Immediately